The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a significant political development, Junaid Azim Mattu, a senior leader of the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), has announced his resignation from the party. He resigned from the party days after he was declared as its candidate from Zadibal segment.

Mattu made the announcement about his resignation from the Apni Party, as per the news agency KNO in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night. Mattu claimed that the decision was made after extensive consultations with his supporters.

"It is with a heavy heart, and with all humility at my command, that I announce my decision to part ways with the J&K Apni Party," he wrote on X.

Mattu also said that the Apni Party would be at complete liberty to field an appropriate candidate from Zadibal in his place. He said that during his Hajj pilgrimage earlier this year, he had taken a solemn pledge to uphold his conviction and do politics guided by his own principles and a sense of discerning right from wrong.

"Primarily underscored by this solemn pledge and based also on extensive consultations with my workers and supporters over the last five days, I have reached this decision," he said.

Wishing best wishes to Apni Party supremo Syed Altaf Bukhari, Mattu said Bukhari has been nothing but kind, protective and large-hearted.

"However, my own convictions are no longer congruent or symmetrical with the ideology of the party and in this situation — to still remain associated with the party or to contest elections as a party candidate would be outrightly disingenuous," he added.

He further said that he will address the media in a couple of days to share his views, answer questions and outline his intentions and goals going forward.

SRINAGAR — ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar on Wednesday said that the Jammu and Kashmir Police is a professional, apolitical, and impartial force.

He was responding to a question regarding the remarks made by DGP Rashmi Ranjan Swain accusing mainstream and regional political parties in the Valley of facilitating Pakistan’s “infiltration into civil society”.

“Right from the beginning, J&K Police has been impartial. It is a professional force and is apolitical,” he said, adding that whatever DGP has said might be his personal opinion.

ADGP Vijay Kumar was talking to reporters while serving the mourners at a police stall installed at Zadibal Srinagar.

The remarks of DGP have snowballed into a controversy. Yesterday, Mehbooba Mufti levelled various allegations against the police chief.

SRINAGAR — Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, President of the All JK Shia Association, has taken decisive action against recent derogatory remarks targeting the Shia community, filing an official complaint with the Station House Officer of Zadibal.

In the complaint, Mr Ansari addresses the dissemination of hateful rhetoric that has caused distress within the Shia community and has the potential to ignite tensions in society. He specifically cites a live video uploaded on Facebook by a user named Mudasir Aziz, wherein derogatory comments were made referring to the Shia community as "Rafizi."

Such language not only infringes upon the fundamental rights of individuals to practice their beliefs in peace but also perpetuates the marginalization and victimization of the Shia community, Mr Ansari asserts.

In his letter to the Station House Officer of Zadibal, Mr Ansari urges prompt and resolute action against those responsible for propagating hate speech. He underscores the importance of holding journalists and individuals accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they contribute to the marginalization of any community.

Mr Ansari calls for a thorough investigation into the incident and requests that appropriate legal measures be taken against the perpetrators. He also implores authorities to provide reassurance to the affected community and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In stressing the significance of upholding principles of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity, Mr Ansari expresses his confidence in law enforcement's commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

SRINAGAR — After being arrested by police, the government has now suspended a school principal for allegedly ‘harassing’ girl students in Srinagar outskirts.

The accused has been identified as Shabir Ahmed Mir, a resident of Zadibal Srinagar, who was posted as principal at Gund Hasi Bhat School in Srinagar outskirts.

Initial reports said that the accused principal was making unnecessary phone calls during night hours to girl students, forcing them to indulge in murky chats. A couple of students informed their parents who approached the police and got the licentious accused arrested.

Reports further added that some of the female students also accused him of stalking and even threatening them of dire consequences if they reveal it to anyone.

The school principal is currently in police custody and formal FIR vide number 31 stands registered against him under sections 354D (stalking), 294 (obscene act in a public place), and 506 (criminal intimidation) at Police Station Shalteng.

Meanwhile, taking note of the incident, Education Department has placed the accused teacher under suspension. An inquiry has been ordered and the accused has been attached to the Directorate of School Education.

The inquiry team has been directed to complete its time-bound report with proper recommendations.